Hon Sir Basil Arthur

Category One: Persons of Prominent International Standing

Date of Birth

18 September 1928 at Timaru

Parents

Sir George Malcolm Arthur and Doris Fay Arthur (nee Wooding)

Married

  1. Elizabeth Rita Wells 5 January 1950
  2. Colleen Kennett 1 July 1983

Children

  • One son and two daughters – first marriage
  • One son and two daughters (adopted) – second marriage

Died

1 May 1985

Education

  • Waimataitai Primary School Timaru August 1935 to December 1941
  • Timaru Boys’ High School February 1942 to December 1944
  • London School of Economics 1960

Honours

  • 1949 5th Baronet to hold title – created 1841 by Queen Victoria

Career

  • Trawlerman, freezing worker, truck driver, hydro worker, saw-miller
  • 1948 Japanese Occupation Military Forces
  • 1949 Korean Occupation Forces – transport
  • Industrial Bursary Imperial Relations Trust UK 1960
  • Management Committee National Executive NZ Workers’ Union
  • New Zealand Workers’ Union President 1971
  • Member SC Trustee Savings Bank 1964-72, Vice President 1970, President 1971
  • Member Lincoln College Council 1969-72
  • Member of Parliament (Labour) for Timaru 1962-85
  • Minister of Charge State Insurance Office 1972-75
  • Minister of Transport 1972-75
  • Speaker of the House of Representatives 1984-85

Last updated: 16 Sep 2021